Entertainment

Fee-Based Podcasts May Arrive in iTunes This Fall

The days of free podcast subscriptions on iTunes may soon be coming to an end. Apple's new Podcasts app for iOS 6 includes a "redeem" button, suggesting that fee-based subscriptions could be coming this fall, according to Cult of Mac.

Since the iTunes Store launched in 2001, Apple has refused to allow podcasters to charge for their media. This rule held up in the iOS 5.1 version of Podcasts, which Apple released earlier this week to the public.

However, in the app version that developers are currently testing in iOS 6 beta 2, this rule seems to have been broken. The redeem button suggests we'll soon be able to download paid podcast subscriptions.

With Apple's current rule in place, many podcasters have employed workarounds such as in-show advertising or website donations to make money. In addition, some podcasters have released separate apps to make money.

For example, the Radiolab app by New York Public Radio launched earlier this month and costs $2.99.

With these workarounds proving quite successful and lucrative, it shouldn't come as a surprise if Apple were to finally allow fee-based podcast subscriptions. After all, the company would make 30% on each podcast subscription sold.

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